The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

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The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

4.27 of 5 stars 4.27 · rating details · 4,172 ratings · 579 reviews

Ben, Tom and Lindy Potter are ordinary children. They lead ordinary lives - until they meet the brilliant Professor Savant. He tells them all about the Whangdoodles, the wise and magical creatures who once lived on earth but then disappeared to another land, and were forgotten forever. Except by Professor Savant and the three children, who are determined to visit Whangdood...more

Paperback, 30th Anniversary Edition, 288 pages

Published October 6th 1989 by HarperCollins (first published 1974)

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May 25, 2011 Jeanette rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: all-fiction, fantasy, for-the-munchkins

3.5 stars for this one.

I got really depressed when I started reading this book because Julie Andrews lied to me. She says in the intro about the Whangdoodle: "I had discovered him in my Webster's Dictionary. I assure you he is there. Go look him up." Um, there is NO "whangdoodle" in my big fat herkin' Webster's New World Dictionary. I looked three times. Julie Andrews lied to me. That's so depressing. It's like having frigging Mary Poppins lie to you!

My favorite things about Whangdoodleland:

1)...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Gabriella Reeves rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals — the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun"— apart from and forgotten by people.

But not...more

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Nov 20, 2008 Emma rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Julie Andrews, it is safe to say, is very cool. She told us that the hills were alive in The Sound of Music. James Garner was attracted to her in Victor/Victoria (even when he thought she was a man). More recently, Andrews has held her own next to the Plaza's favorite resident in Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime. Oh, and she was Mary Poppins (and Millie) before Mary Poppins (and Thoroughly Modern Millie) got all trendy with Broadway show(s).

In between all of her amazing film credi...more Julie Andrews, it is safe to say, is very cool. She told us that the hills were alive in The Sound of Music. James Garner was attracted to her in Victor/Victoria (even when he thought she was a man). More recently, Andrews has held her own next to the Plaza's favorite resident in Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime. Oh, and she was Mary Poppins (and Millie) before Mary Poppins (and Thoroughly Modern Millie) got all trendy with Broadway show(s).

In between all of her amazing film credits, Julie Andrews wrote a book under her pen name Julie Andrews Edwards in 1974 called The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. I have been meaning to read it for close to a decade, but things always got in the way. After starting the book (again) last month I made a promise that I would finish it this time even if it killed me. Clearly, I lived to tell the tale.

The story starts when Ben, Tom and Lindy Potter are sent to the zoo by their parents. Initially resistant to the idea, the trip proves quite enjoyable. When the children begin to discuss truly unusual animals, a stranger butts in with a straightforward question: "If you're looking for something really unusual, have you considered a Whangdoodle?"

The Potter children, of course, have not. Tom goes as far as to say that the Whangdoodle could not possible exist. This assertion is thrown into question when a dictionary provides a rather accurate definition of the word. The Potter's initial interest turns into an alliance with their new friend Professor Savant to try to reach Whangdoodleland and meet the fanciful creature for themselves.

The road to Whangdoodleland is not straightforward. Along the way the children have much to learn, including relearning the very ways in which they look at the world. The journey is filled with wondrous creatures both friendly and dangerous, but the children are now committed to finishing the journey one way or another regardless of the challenges thrown in their path. When the quest reaches its final climax none of the characters' lives will ever be the same.

I liked this book, but not really as much as I had hoped. As I mentioned it took me a long time to actually start the book and, once it was started, it took a long time for me to finish it. Unfortunately, I think part of that has to do with my coming to this book at the age of 22 when I was unwilling to accept certain aspects of the story. (The feminist in me made it very difficult to appreciate parts of the end of the story.)

At the same time, the book was originally written in 1974. The text is not dated in the usual way, with references to old technology, rather it all feels very different from a 2008 novel. The children befriend a strange man in the zoo. All of the Potters seem younger and more innocent than I would have expected (from children of the same age in the present). I was able to get more into the story once I accepted those things, but it also made me sad because I started to think about what I had lost and, also, what our culture had lost in terms of faith and trust. I wish I had been able to read the book without so many questions and doubts because I do want to see things the way the Potters and Professor Savant do--I'm just not sure that way of thinking is always possible in the twenty-first century.
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Sep 15, 2008 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-aloud

This is a book for young elementary school children. Re-reading it recently to my middle schoolers brought out their nostalgia but it didn't entertain them as much as the first time. The 13-year-old noticed how all the perilous situations turned out to be utterly banal and realized that nothing bad could ever really happen in this book. Both children rolled their eyes at the gullibility of the Potter children's parents and how blithely the children themselves ignored all commonsense warnings abo...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Von Fritz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, sci-fi-and-fantasy

Whew...just got back from an amazing adventure. Oh yes...was back from Whangdoodleland and I have much to tell.

Saw the book first at Booksale. Wasn't able to buy it though coz when I got the chance, I couldn't find it anymore. I was lucky enough to buy a copy at Lopues East. And whoa...cheaper.

I was curious about the book. Not to mention it's written by Julie (Andrews) Edwards. It's about this rare magical creature called 'whangdoodle' who isolated himself from humanity to save his life from ext...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Kidsmomo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review by Karen, intended for young readers:

What’s a whangdoodle? According to my dictionary, it’s “a fanciful creature of undefined nature.” That’s not a lot of detail, so I think I’d really like to see one in person. Wouldn’t you? That’s definitely how the characters feel in The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards!

Lindy, Tom, Ben, and their friend Professor Savant are all determined to meet the only remaining whangdoodle in the world, and so they embark on a fantasti...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles is a magical story full of fun and adventure. Edwards has truly brought an incredible new world to life through the characters and the reader’s imagination. The courage and determination of the four main characters, Professor Savant, and Ben, Thomas, and Lindy Potter inspires the story in delightful ways and captures the reader’s attention to the end. This book is an excellent mixture of aspects of fantasy and realistic fiction through the qualities of f...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Rina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay, maybe I'm a little loose with the 5 star ratings...but, for me, this book is totally worth the 5 stars.

I never read this one as a child and read it recently only for book club. The theme was about rediscovering childhood and YA books as adults. I loved this. I love the whimisical nature of the book. I love how often they talk about sweets. I love Julie Andrews.

Yes, whangdoodle sounds like a dirty word. But, if you get your mind out of the gutter, its actually a pretty fun word to say. Say...more

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Nov 18, 2010 Miss Mitchell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s-literature

I first read this when I was about 12, and have re-read it at least 10 times. I adore this book and its message to never give up your imagination. My random thoughts on this book:
+ I think it is actually a much more poignant book to read as an adult.
+ When I was 12, I wanted to be in an all-girl band (Gem was huge then) called "Crash Pink"
+ As an adult who spent over 12 years working in professional theatre, I finally saw some of Prague's black-light theatre (with amazing dance and puppet-work...more

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Jan 14, 2010 Runa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is such a classic children's fantasy book! I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't get to read it as a kid, but I am glad that I found it later on. It seems like it would make a really great read-aloud to a group of students. As often seen in children's fiction, a lot of it is really convenient, parts of it are really predictable, but it all makes for a great story, and there are some great suspenseful bits along the way. There are a lot of smaller conflicts that quickly get resolved, under...more

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Aug 25, 2009 Thomas Alvi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

'Faugh' and 'pifflesticks' to those who think this book doesn't retain the charm and magic of when we experienced it as children. As professor Savant sadly says, 'those people have lost their imagination entirely'.

If you, as an adult, still look for fairies in the shadows around streams, see the massive shapes of mythical beasts in clouds, or laugh at the oddest things, finding joy and amusement where others scowl discouragingly - then there is still hope for you!

Every part of this book is joy a...more

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Nov 20, 2008 Sade rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: EVERYONE!!!

Recommended to Sade by: i found this book in my basement

There are many things you learn from books. You learn about new worlds, imagination, and how to believe. Well, this book acquires all of these things. “The last of the really great Whangdoodles” is such a good book for the young and old. It is one of my favorite books because it made my imagination 10x’s stronger than it was before. This book deals with good and bad mythical creatures, beautiful landscapes, and a very difficult quest. The things I liked most about this book was the professor, th...more There are many things you learn from books. You learn about new worlds, imagination, and how to believe. Well, this book acquires all of these things. “The last of the really great Whangdoodles” is such a good book for the young and old. It is one of my favorite books because it made my imagination 10x’s stronger than it was before. This book deals with good and bad mythical creatures, beautiful landscapes, and a very difficult quest. The things I liked most about this book was the professor, the forest, and the imagery of the story.

The thing I last about this book was the professor. I forgot his name but he is my idol. He is a short man, lives in a mansion, and is a genius. He discovers the portal to the land of the great Whangdoodles. The professor is my idol because instead of worrying about bills and mortgage and the government, he wants to save the last of the really great Whangdoodles. Wouldn’t you like an adult who cares about mythical creatures rather than the bills?

The part I liked second about this book was the forest. The way Julie Andrews Edwards described it made me fall in love with it. The forest had humongous flowers, a river that looked like a field of diamonds, and fruits your not supposed to eat. In the forest, your not supposed to pick flowers or eat the fruit. The point of those things is to keep everything beautiful. The forest in the story made me think of the damage we humans have done to our most precious forest. If only this book was made a mandatory story in schools, more people and children would want to keep our forest beautiful and restore the natural beauty they once had.

The thing I liked most about this book was the wonderful imagery. This book is filled with blacks and whites and rainbows and squares and circles that I don’t know where to begin. The way the scenes were described and depicted, I feel in love immediately. As I have described above, the forest to me was the most colorful scene. The darkest scene was the professor’s mansion. I saw so many blacks and whites that I thought I was watching a black and white movie. I loved how even the smallest thing was described in perfect detail. A good example was the hats the children and the professor had to wear to enter the land of the Whangdoodles. Even the shape was described. At one point, I thought I could taste the fruit and smell the flowers.

This book has all of the elements any good book should have. Even though this book is for kids, this book should is good enough for anyone. I guarantee it! Even though most people assume the best books are books about real life problems or events, some of the best books could be about a Whangdoodle or Jaborwock. I truly recommend this book to anyone who wants to go a little out of the comfort area or for a parent trying to find a good book for there child. If you see a book with a bird with fish scales, don’t just pass it, read it. What would you do if a short, old man offered you to go the land of the really great Whangdoodles?
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Jan 30, 2013 Hannah Lowder rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone

The first time I ever heard this story was when my mum read it to me because I couldn't read at the time. After she finished reading it, she asked me to draw a picture of what I thought a Whangdoodle looked like. So, I drew it and because the book has no pictures I had to use my imagination. I created a kind of multi-colored Sid the sloth looking creature.
Finally, when I was old enough, I borrowed the book off my auntie and decided to read it. Whilst reading this book I got completely lost in i...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Morgan Forrest rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Genre: Modern Fantasy
Lexile: 620
F&P Level: X
Age: Upper Elementary/Middle School

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles is a magical tale about Professor Savant and the three Potter children, Lindy, Tom and Ben and their quest to find the last Whangdoodle in existence. In order to do so, they must use every corner of their imaginations to discover the secret way to get to Whangdoodleland. Once there, they must get make it through encounters with adventure, danger, and magic to find the grea...more

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Aug 19, 2009 Lizzy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is pure fun!

I stumbled upon our tattered edition with the red sky, golden river, and blue grass when skimming the book shelf and remembered how much I loved this book. I had read it many times during elementary school; it was a beloved favorite.

I thought that as this is a whimsical imagination story, it would not call up images as other, more realistic books do. Instead, I found myself living the story more than I had in a while, feeling Lindy's terror at the Prock, being in Ben's shoe...more

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Apr 27, 2012 Patti rated it 4 of 5 stars

What a fun story! Reminds me of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory meets The Wizard of Oz, with a smattering of Harry Potter - for the younger set. A wonderful 2nd grade teacher that I love and respect reads this to her class every year. I value her opinion and obvious success with the story enough that it has always been on my 'To Read List:' I just never got around to it until now. (Also not to mention my curiosity as to what Mary Poppins could write!)

Fascinating and beautiful Whangdoodleland...more

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Feb 24, 2012 Nora rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ben, Tom and Lindy meet Professor Samuel Savant. He tells them about the Whangdoodle and Whangdoodleland. The kids are trained to see things in a different way so that they can go to Whangdoodleland. Finally they go to Whangdoodleland and go around to discover things. But Lindy gets captured by a Splintercat. The professor, Ben and Tom go to Whangdoodleland to rescue Lindy. They rescue her and decide to meet the Whangdoodle. There are several creatures that try to stop them because the Prock tol...more

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May 20, 2009 Eric rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens

Raquel and I read this together. I'm surprised a movie hasn't been made of this book (written by Julie Andrews). I was a little bugged by the discussions regarding cloning.
Memorable quotes include:
The Whangdoodle's motto is: Pax amor et lepos in iocando, which translates "Peace, love and a sense of fun.">
The professor spoke of the Swamp Gabbons: There will be many times in your lives -- at school, and more particularly when you are grown up -- when people will distract or divert you from wha...more

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Sep 15, 2010 zabarj rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Talk about painting a picture with words. The two siblings, introduced at the beginning of the story are similar to the brother and sister duo in Mary Poppins. They meet an interesting character, and renowned scientist, and he invites the children to be his helpers in saving the last of the really great whangdoodles. My students were riveted by this story as it allowed them to escape to Whangdoodle land. The brother and sister in the story meet all types of creatures and characters in Whangdoodl...more

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Dec 24, 2011 Saph Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: to-re-read, buy-for-bookshelf

I was one of the lucky ones to be able to read this as a child. I'm about to re-read it as a teen, and I have no doubt I will enjoy it just as much as I did when I was 9!

One part has always stuck with me throughout my life. I don't remember it word for word, but the professor mentioned that most people go through life shuffling down the street with their heads down and forget to look up when walking. I didn't understand at the time how the Professor could always walk while looking up, because h...more

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Jun 12, 2011 Nancy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, ya

This an average of my & Anthony's opinions - he liked it a lot better than I did, and since he's the target audience, his opinion should really count for more. I remember absolutely loving The Secret Garden when I was a kid, but this wasn't more of the same. There were plenty of things to like about the book - mainly that she creates a vivid and interesting imaginary world. But the conflict didn't interest me. The problem was that none of the "bad guys" were really bad, and we knew that FROM...more

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Dec 15, 2010 Matt Hartzell rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Matt by: Anyone

Shelves: fantasy

I thought I was one of the only people on earth who had heard of the Whangdoodle. My third-grade teacher read this book to the class, and I loved it immensely. At various times over the years and I had tried to pick up a copy but didn't entirely remember the title or the author. It was a joyous day in our household when I discovered a copy of this book in Kisa's room, apparently one that Ciara brought with her when we were married. Yes, I stole this book from a toddler.

It was great to read the s...more

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Jul 03, 2011 Susann rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: re-read

My 8-year-old self would have undoubtedly given this 4 stars and, although this re-read didn't quite live up to that original delight, I would continue to recommend the book to many kids. (When I was 16, I gave a copy to my friend's little sister and she went gaga over it and later proudly showed me a copy of her book report.)

I still thrill over the soda fountain and enjoy the American/English blend of language and culture. As a kid, I paid no attention to the genetics issues, but now I see the...more

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Dec 22, 2009 Holly M. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I gave this book a four star because i'm not a big fan of fantasy books. I gave it a high rate, though, because it had so many details to it, but it actually was a good book. I recommend this to people who do like fantasy books and like the setting changing quite a bit. Also, who like things from other demensions. Do you think the Professer, Ben, Tom, and Lindy will make it to the Whangdoodle? On this adventure, you will find amazing creatures that have so many different characteristics such as,...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Allyson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, some-favorite-children-s

Another book by Julie Andrews Edwards (The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, etc.). It is a fun, imaginative, adventure story which has the same magical feeling as Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. I read this to my 3rd graders every year and they love it! One year, someone mentioned that this story would make a great movie; every day involved an impromptu discussion of how that day's chapter would translate onto the big screen. I'm pretty sure if it hasn't already happened by then, it very well...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Dan Rogers rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I think that my expectations for this book were too high. I was anticipating a story as magical and engaging as The Wizard of Oz, which is then failed to deliver. My high expectations may also have been based upon the fact that the first movie I can recall ever seeing and enjoying was Disney's Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews. So, I grew up with this larger than life, she can do nothing wrong, image of Julie Andrews. Having never gotten over (or past) that, I was probably expecting more from...more

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Jan 05, 2010 Julie marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Recommended to Julie by: Scholastic

Shelves: 3, 4, 5

A fanciful story that follows three British siblings and an eccentric professor on an adventure to find a magical creature called the Whangdoodle. The journey to Whangdoodleland requires keen powers of observation and lots of imagination. Along the way, the children meet many amazing creatures, learn a little science, and come to understand the value of having an open, curious mind. For fantasy lovers, Whangdoodleland is as enticing as Oz, Willy Wonka's Factory, Narnia, and Hogwarts. And yes, th...more

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May 10, 2010 Kim rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, school

This is definitely not my genre of choice, but I enjoyed it. I love the idea of searching for a whangdoodle, a creature mentioned in Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." I love the descriptions of the fanciful creatures and settings.

As others have mentioned, I question whether kids would really trust this eccentric guy. It also annoyed me how Lindy was treated differently than Tom and Ben, it seemed because she was a girl, not because she was the youngest.

I am reading this aloud t...more

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May 13, 2013 Ari Dotan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Three siblings, Ben, Tom, and Lindy Potter, meet Professor Savant while visiting the zoo one rainy day. On Halloween, Lindy is the only brave one to knock on the spookiest house on the block, which happens to belong to the Professor, and the three become more acquainted with him. After a second meeting, they begin spending time at the Professor's house, where he introduces them to games of concentration and observation. He reveals that there is a magic land called Whangdoodleland that can only b...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Shelby Troutman rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chapter-book, friendship, family, i-own, fantasy-and-science-fiction

This wonderful childrens book is great for the 4-5 grade reading level. It would also be good for 3rd grade if it was being read to the students. It helps to show the wonders of the imagination as well as the beauty of friendship. It helps to show that outwardly appearences of people can be very different from what is on the inside. By reading this book children will learn that friends can come in every shape and size and can be of any age. Some friendships form when they are least expected, but...more

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About Julie Andrews Edwards

Dame Julie Elizabeth Andrews Edwards, DBE is an award-winning English actress, singer, author and cultural icon. She is the recipient of Golden Globe, Emmy, Grammy, BAFTA, People's Choice Award, Theatre World Award, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award honours. Andrews rose to prominence after starring in Broadway musicals such as My Fair Lady and Camelot, as well as musical films like Mary Poppi...more

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“Miracles, contrary to popular belief, do not just happen. A miracle is the achievement of the impossible, and it is only when we put aside out greed, anger, pride and prejudice so that our minds are open and ready to accept it, that a miracle can occur.” — 38 people liked it

“Have you noticed how nobody ever looks up? Nobody looks at chimneys, or trees against the sky, or the tops of buildings. Everybody just looks down at the pavement or their shoes. The whole world could pass them by and most people wouldn't notice.” — 20 people liked it

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